Love and Death on Long Island

The movie Love and Death on Long Island from 1997 stars John Hurt, Jason Priestley, and Fiona Loewi. It tells the story of an elderly British author named Giles De'Ath, played by Hurt, who is living a secluded and reclusive life in rural England. De'Ath is an old-school writer, who has achieved literary recognition and success by sticking to a conservative style of writing. But his life changes drastically when he accidentally sees a film adaptation of a book by an author named Ronnie Bostock, played by Priestley.

As De'Ath watches the film, he becomes fascinated by the young and handsome actor who plays Bostock. After the screening, he asks the theater attendant to find out more about him and discovers that the actor's name is Ronnie Bostock and he is a rising star in Hollywood. De'Ath becomes so obsessed with Bostock that he decides to fly to Long Island, New York, to meet him in person.

Once in Long Island, De'Ath realizes that the world he has stepped into is vastly different from the one he knows. The place is bright and noisy, and he has trouble navigating the different cultures, languages, and accents. Nevertheless, he persists and eventually finds Bostock's house where he accidentally meets his girlfriend, Audrey, played by Fiona Loewi. Audrey mistakes him for a handyman and enlists his help in the renovation of her house. De'Ath plays along and accepts the job, hoping to stay close to his idol while experiencing a new way of life.

As the story progresses, De'Ath's obsession with Bostock deepens, and he begins to question his own life, his beliefs, and his work. He feels a deep connection with Audrey, but also knows that his dream of meeting Bostock has overshadowed everything else in his life. He tries to find ways to approach Bostock, but their meeting seems to be always elusive.

The movie is a clever and poignant comedy-drama that is centered around the theme of obsession. It explores the idea of how one's perceptions of the world can be changed by a single experience, and how the urge to belong can lead to drastic changes in one's life. The character of Giles De'Ath is a perfect illustration of how obsession can take over a person's life, and the consequences that come with it. John Hurt's portrayal of De'Ath is brilliant, as he captures the character's vulnerability, innocence and naivete with finesse. Jason Priestley's portrayal of Bostock is equally impressive, as he brings to the screen a charismatic and complex character.

The movie is also a commentary on the power of popular culture and the influence of the media. It shows how a simple film can change the course of someone's life, and how people can become enamored with celebrities and characters they see on the screen. It also highlights the contrast between the conservative and traditional world of literature and the dynamic, ever-changing world of popular culture.

Overall, Love and Death on Long Island is a well-crafted film that tells a compelling story with great performances and an engaging script. The characters are nuanced, and the themes explored are relevant even today. The movie will appeal to those who love character-driven stories, and those who are interested in the intersection between art and culture. It is a moving and humorous film, that will make you think long after the credits roll.